Assets Worth Over Rs. 180 Million Linked to Drug Trafficker Frozen Under Money Laundering Act.

Based on a complaint filed by the Police Narcotics Bureau, the Illegal Assets Investigation Division has launched an investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act into properties and assets allegedly acquired by a 52-year-old drug trafficker residing in the Hambegamuwa area of Thanamalwila.

Investigations revealed that the suspect has a history of criminal activity related to drug possession and drug trafficking. He has previously been arrested by several police stations across the island and produced before the Honorable Courts in connection with these offences.

During the course of the assets investigation, it was uncovered that the suspect had acquired a number of properties using money earned through illegal activities and had registered these assets in the name of his wife. Accordingly, the Embilipitiya and Tangalle High Courts have issued orders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to freeze these properties. The said orders have been extended for a further period of seven days with effect from 11 December 2025.

The frozen properties and assets are as follows:

I. A pharmacy located in the Embilipitiya area, valued at approximately Rs. 30 million.

II. A 39.5-perch land and a hotel in the Embilipitiya area, valued at approximately Rs. 70 million.

III. A land and a building with two shops located in the Middeniya area, valued at approximately Rs. 15 million.

IV. A land and a building with a shop in Middeniya, valued at approximately Rs. 7.5 million.

V. Another land and a building with a shop in Middeniya, valued at approximately Rs. 7.5 million.

VI. A 25-perch land and a two-storey house in Keerawela Katuwa, Embilipitiya, valued at approximately Rs. 35 million.

VII. A land and a two-storey building with a shop located on Panamura Road, Middeniya, valued at approximately Rs. 15 million.

The total value of the frozen properties exceeds Rs. 180 million.

The Illegal Assets Investigation Division is continuing the necessary legal procedures to take possession of these illegally acquired properties and assets. Further investigations are also underway to identify and freeze any additional assets obtained through unlawful means, under the instructions and direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police.